History of Rockford Oddfellow Lodge No. 247

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized in Rockford,  November 27, 1874. The instituting officer  was Past Grand Henry Baldrey of  Grand Rapids. There were eight charter members. They were Edwin J.  Hopkins, William Powell, Nelson E. Downey, William W. Wilson, Ezra Hayes,  Henry R. Borigo, Lawson N. Rice and Elias C. Brooks. The first officers  were Noble Grand, William W. Wilson; Vice Grand, Lawson N. Rice;  Secretary, Elias C. Brooks; Treasurer, Henry R. Borigo, and Deputy District  Grand Master, William Powell. The first place of meetings are not known, but about 1882, they mvoed  into the Wellbrook Hall which was over, what is now known as the Elkins  Oil Station. In 1912 they moved into their new hall, which they have  occupied since that time. At that time Franklin Jessup was Noble Grand. Among the older living members are found John L. Bailey, Austin Bailey,  Ross Squires, William Myers, George Rector, Albert Rounds, and W. L.  Chapman of California. The present officers are as follow: Noble Grand - Robert Strom; Vice Grand - Marvin Tyrell; Recording  Secretary - Howard Conant; Financial Secretary - Charles Harris; Treasurer -  Dale Bradley. (26)